Lexical Summary rabrab: Great, mighty, numerous Original Word: רַבְרַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance very great things (Aramaic) from rab; huge (in size); domineering (in character) -- (very) great (things). see HEBREW rab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) the same as rab, q.v. Topical Lexicon Occurrences within Daniel’s Aramaic TextThe adjective appears eight times, exclusively in the Aramaic chapters of Daniel. Its range moves from courtly titles (Daniel 2:48) through doxology (Daniel 4:3) to eschatological visions (Daniel 7:3-20). This concentration shows how the Spirit used one word to bind together narrative, praise, and prophecy, linking the historical experience of exile with the promise of God’s ultimate dominion. Royal Authority and Administrative Elevation After interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, “the king placed Daniel in a high position … and made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief of all the wise men” (Daniel 2:48). Here the term underscores Daniel’s unexpected elevation from captive to cabinet-level authority. Theologically, it demonstrates that genuine greatness is conferred by God, not seized by human ambition (see Proverbs 21:1). Pastoral application: God’s people can serve faithfully in secular structures without compromising devotion; heavenly wisdom often gains earthly hearing. Divine Supremacy over Human Greatness Nebuchadnezzar’s hymn exclaims, “How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Daniel 4:3). The same adjective that described Daniel’s status now magnifies the works of the Most High, placing human promotion and divine sovereignty on the same verbal scale—and tipping it decisively toward the Lord. Daniel 4 testifies that the true measure of greatness is God’s power to humble rulers (cf. James 4:6). Eschatological Weight in the Four-Beast Vision Daniel 7 uses the word five times—first for the “four great beasts” (Daniel 7:3), then for the “four great kingdoms” they represent (Daniel 7:17). The adjective again characterizes worldly might, but each instance anticipates displacement by the everlasting reign of “One like a Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13-14). Even the terrifying fourth beast is called “exceedingly dreadful, with terrible teeth of iron” (Daniel 7:7), yet its greatness is temporary, destined to be judged (Daniel 7:11). The repetition highlights a biblical pattern: earthly empires rise, display apparent greatness, and fall before the unshakable kingdom of God (Hebrews 12:28). Historical Insights 1. Linguistic Context: The Aramaic sections of Daniel (2:4b-7:28) spoke directly to an international audience in exile. The shared imperial language underscored that every court, culture, and kingdom must answer to the Lord of Heaven. Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Christian leaders can echo Daniel’s humility: accept positions of influence as stewardship, not entitlement (Daniel 2:30). Christological Reflections Within Daniel 7, the phrase stands in contrast to the everlasting dominion granted to the Son of Man. Earthly “great” powers pass away; the greatness of Jesus Christ endures. The Gospel writers intentionally draw from this backdrop (Matthew 24:30), inviting believers to anchor their confidence not in transient political greatness but in the King whose kingdom shall never be destroyed (Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:15). Summary Across narrative, praise, and prophecy, the word consistently sets a stage on which God’s surpassing greatness is displayed. Whether elevating His servant, humbling a monarch, or forecasting the rise and fall of empires, Scripture uses the vocabulary of human grandeur only to direct attention to the matchless majesty of the Lord—and to assure His people that they share in a greatness that cannot fade. Forms and Transliterations רַבְרְבִ֔ין רַבְרְבָ֔ן רַבְרְבָ֤ן רַבְרְבָֽן׃ רַבְרְבָתָ֔א רברבין רברבן רברבן׃ רברבתא raḇ·rə·ḇā·ṯā raḇ·rə·ḇān raḇ·rə·ḇîn raḇrəḇān raḇrəḇāṯā raḇrəḇîn ravreVan ravrevaTa ravreVinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:48 HEB: רַבִּ֗י וּמַתְּנָ֨ן רַבְרְבָ֤ן שַׂגִּיאָן֙ יְהַב־ KJV: him many great gifts, INT: promoted gifts great many and gave Daniel 4:3 Daniel 7:3 Daniel 7:7 Daniel 7:8 Daniel 7:11 Daniel 7:17 Daniel 7:20 8 Occurrences |
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